Training & Courses at The GWCT Allerton Project

Based on our award winning demonstration farm in Leicestershire, we offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, on-the-ground experience. Our courses are designed and delivered by highly experienced trainers, combining scientific research with real-world applications to support farmers, land managers, advisers, and those working across the agricultural supply chain.

Why Choose the Allerton Project for Your Training?

Hands-On Learning

Experience putting theory into practice on our operational demonstration farm.

Expert Instructors

Learn from industry-leading trainers with extensive backgrounds in agricultural science, land management, and policy.

Bespoke Training

We can offer courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Introductory Course

Principles of Sustainable Land Management

The Principles of Sustainable Land Management syllabus has been designed for farmers, land managers, advisers, agronomists and those working within the farmed landscape and in the supply chain. It is well suited to those that are looking for an introduction to sustainable land management (including the Sustainable Farming Incentive) and to further their technical, practical and business knowledge to maximise the on-farm environmental potential and sustainability

What does the training cover?

This oneday intensive course covers the key aspects of sustainable land management. We cover:

  • Sustainable farm & environmental land management
  • Farmland wildlife and habitat management
  • Soil and water management
  • Nutrient management
  • Grassland and historic features management

Through a range of talks, activities and discussion we establish the principles required to sustainably manage land. We look at how these relate to agri-environment schemes and specifically the developing Environmental Land Management schemes.

What will I gain from taking part?

Learning from trainers, case studies and other participants, you will gain an understanding of the key
aspects of sustainable land management and how they integrate with each other. The opportunities and challenges associated with moving to more sustainable systems is also discussed along with practical ways to do this.

The course provides a useful introduction to the key concepts which is followed by an online multiple choice exam and a certificate of completion. 8 BASIS and 2 NRoSO CPD points are also gained. If you enjoy this course and would like to progress to a more advanced one, the Certificate in Sustainable Land Management provides this.

Who is this course for?
  • Farmers, growers and operators wanting to learn more about sustainable land management
  • Farmers, growers and operators wanting to learn more about environment land management schemes and how these could work on farm
  • Land agents working with farmers wanting to better understand the opportunities, challenges and practicalities of sustainable land management
  • People from the supply chain working with farmers wanting to understand more about sustainable land management
  • Advisors working with farmers wanting to gain a more holistic understanding of farming and
    sustainability.

Advanced Course

Certificate in Sustainable Land Management

The Certificate in Sustainable Land Management provides a practical insight into the key legislation, principles, application of measures and understanding of on-farm and landscape scale opportunities for advisers and land managers, to carry out effective environmental land management. The knowledge acquired through the completion of this advanced course will help to underpin the delivery of agri-environment scheme applications (including ELM) and ongoing management to achieve the desired outcomes.

What does the training cover?

This four-day course provides a full, comprehensive and practical view of all aspects of sustainable
land management. We cover:

  • Sustainable land management legislation
  • AES systems and schemes
  • Habitat and species management
  • Soil and water management
  • Air quality
  • Climate change
  • Energy and waste management
  • Integrated Pest Management

We will also assess how all these elements can be integrated into the wider farmed landscape.

What will I gain from taking part?

Learning from trainers, guest speakers, farm walks, demonstrations, case studies and other participants you will gain an in depth understanding and knowledge of the aspects required to sustainably manage land.

Successful completion of the Certificate in Sustainable Land Management course provides the required qualification to entry for joining the BASIS Environmental Advisers Register. The course also forms one of the required qualifications for achieving the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy.

15 Basis points are awarded.

Who is this course for?
  • Professionals involved in providing environmental advice to farms and the farmed environment
  • Experienced farmers and land managers wanting a more in depth understanding and practical solutions to improve sustainability
  • Agronomists wanting to expand their holistic understanding of farm businesses
  • It is recommended that those attending the training course have a minimum of six months in-field experience before attending the course. Those with less experience are recommended to start by attending a one day “Principles of Sustainable Land Management” course.

INTRODUCTORY COURSE

Introduction to Agriculture

A comprehensive overview of UK agricultural production, the Introdcution to Agriculture course is ideal for newcomers to agriculture, or those seeking a broad understanding of the industry’s core sectors and their role in environmental sustainability.

This bespoke course offers a flexible delivery: course content and duration can be tailored to your requirements.

What does the training cover?
  • Major Agricultural Sectors: Including Arable, Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Poultry, and Horticulture.
  • Agricultural Economics: Understand the structure and economic drivers of UK farming.
  • Policy & Climate Goals: Explore the current UK agricultural policy landscape and how farming can contribute to national nature recovery and climate targets.
How is this course delivered?

Course delivery is customisable for individual group requirements, and can consist of online delivery via interactive webinars, on-site delivery at the GWCT Allerton Project, or a combination of the two. The content can also be customised to reflect the specific interests, knowledge levels and requirements of individual groups.

Who is this course for?

Any group keen to learn more about the basics of modern UK food, farming and environmental land management and how they fit within the modern UK economy and society. Of particular interest and benefit to organisations associated with farming and the food supply chain, from finance to environmental groups, processing to manufacturing, who are looking to learn more about the production of the raw materials in that chain!

On Site Accommodation

Starting from £75 pn

We have 3 fabulous accommodation pods available on site here at The Allerton Project. Available only to course delegates, visitors and staff. Regulations mean that we do not rent the units as a holiday letting but can provide them alongside venue hire.

To see more information on these please click button below.